Alabama House begins debating gift ban

The Alabama Legislature began a special session in Montgomery, Ala., Monday, August 10, 2009. After a few bills and resolutions were introduced the legislators stood in recess.
Rep. John Rogers of Birmingham at the ongoing special session of the Alabama Legislature. (The Birmingham News / Jeff Roberts)

MONTGOMERY -- The House of Representative this afternoon has begun debating a proposed ban on gifts from lobbyists to public officials.

Rep. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, said lobbyists would be prohibited from spending anything on a public official under the proposed bill.

The people who employ lobbyists could take a public official out for a meal costing $50 or less, under the bill, provided the total cost of all meals provided to a public official does not not exceed $100 in a year, McClendon said.

"They could take you out to a fast food restaurant several times, but they can't exceed $100. ... They can wine and dine you, but it's not going to be a $300 bottle of wine anymore," McClendon said.

The bill has exemptions to the gift limits for educational conferences and widely attended events such as chamber of commerce banquets. The ban also exempts receptions that often are held for legislators, provided every member of the Alabama Legislature is invited to attend.

Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, said he thought the exemption for companies and people that employ lobbyists is problematic. He said a company could send several executives to take a legislators out to multiple $50 dinners.

"I can still eat my steak. I can still eat my lobster. It just changes who pays for it," Rogers said.